Tag Archives: dance

Dance Forms of Kerala

15 Sep

Kerala have centuries of custom and artistic legacy. The prosperous range of Kerala’s dance forms is one of the mainly convincing proofs of its countless civilization and custom. All through olden times dance has been an important element of rituals, ceremony, celebrations and activity in Kerala. Numerous dance forms of Kerala are among the most elegant and gorgeous in the planet. These dance forms are reflections of the miscellaneous religious and artistic ethnicity of Kerala. Dancing, which forms an essential element of every country or region’s civilization has for long been a part of many rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations, with the gorgeous state of Kerala being no exemption. The dances exceptional because of the expressions of the dancers depict while drama, expressions that make known a sophisticated creative class. Here are some dance forms of Kerala which has great importance.

a. Mohiniattam

Mohiniattam is a dance form which is said to be originated in Kerala, is closely related to the Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu. Mohiniattam is well-known as the dance of the celestial enchantress. It is one of the most famous classical dances of Kerala. The term Mohiniyattam comes from the words “Mohini” meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and “aattam” meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. Mohiniattam is performed only by women and is known for its elegant actions and easy but stylish costume. Historically, the temple dancers/devdasis performed the Mohiniattam in the temples of Kerala.

b. Kathakali

Kathakali the classical dance form of Kerala was born in Kerala 400 years ago. Kathakali is an art form

where music, dance and drama are extremely coordinated that is in Kathakali constitutes three fine arts, abhinayam or acting, nrityam or dancing, and geetham or singand. Kathakali has a sole amalgamation of text, music, painting, acting and dance. The word Kathakali accurately means “Story-Play”.  It is recognized for its great, complicated makeup and costumes.  The elaborate costumes of Kathakali have become the most familiar sign for Kerala. The themes of the Kathakali are sacred in nature.  They typically deal with the Mahabarat, the Ramayana and the ancient scriptures known as the Puranas.  This is performed in a text which is generally Sanskritised Malayalam.

c. Mudiyettu 

Mudiyettu is ritualistic ballet play performed after the yield of summer crops in Kerala. Among the earliest and native drama art forms in Kerala are the ceremony dances known as Mudiyettu, connected with the Goddess Bhagavathi, the wife of Lord Siva. These dance forms worship the goddess and their themes rotate about the victory of the goddess over the demon Daruka and other malevolence characters.

d. Koodiyattam

This dance form of Kerala is the earliest of its kind and was evolved in the seventh century AD. It is an offering to divinity. Mythological themes are played. Kootiyattam accurately means “acting together”. Koodiyattam performed in the Sanskrit language in Hindu temples. Koodiyattam is Kathakali’s 2000 year old precursor and is accessible as a votive offering to the divinity.